A Magazine for Jacksonville’s Communities 2003 Guide to Parks FREE Dear Friends Jacksonville has the weather, we have the space, we have the water…we’ve got it all. And I am inviting you to come out and play. Since 1995, we have invested more than $71 million in park improvements. Everything from the most current playground design and equipment to upgraded pathways, lighting and landscaping – as well as new soccer fields, baseball parks and bike trails. The improvements are too long to list, but the end result is what I like to call DNPs – darn nice parks – all across Jacksonville. And it will keep getting better. But that is only one chapter in Jacksonville’s park story. Our network of parks has grown to such a grand scale that our city is now a national destination point for ecotourism. And its national reputation will keep getting better. Not only can Jacksonville now declare that it is home to the largest park system of any city in the nation, but we can fairly say we also have the most unique parks. Through a co-man- agement agreement, which is now a national model, with the National and State Parks and land purchases of more than 40,000 acres from the Preservation Project, Jacksonville’s parks offer more than ever before. Corridors of linked parklands cre- ate, in some places, up to 50 miles of contiguous preserved natural areas for public use. And it is still growing. If you are looking for swimming, boating, riding or hiking, you will find the space and amenities to do it here in Jacksonville. We have created this guide as a resource for citi- zens and visitors to access the wealth of one of our most valu- able treasures, Jacksonville’s parks. John A. Delaney Mayor Mayor Clean, green, safe and John A. Delaney fun… these aren’t just Director of Written Communications Maria Williams words, they are the core Director of Neighborhoods of the City of Department John Curtin Jacksonville Department Director of Parks, Recreation and of Parks, Recreation and Entertainment Department Entertainment’s mis- Debra Igou sion. Editor in Chief Dave Roman As director of the department, it Editor is my responsibility and privilege to make sure that our park sys- Meredith Dusack tem is one of the best, and it is my joy to work alongside a staff Art Director equally dedicated to the same. Richard Weaver In the past two years, city leaders have made it possible for us Chief Photographer Wes Lester to complete hundreds of beautification projects in our parks. Our staff has added new signs, fencing and thousands and thou- Contributing Writers Meredith Dusack sands of flowers. We also participated in a blizzard of ground- Jordan Ebert breakings, ribbon cuttings and grand opening ceremonies for Dennis L. Frobish new parks, playgrounds and community centers throughout the Kim Greason Kelly Hoopes community. Paul Ivice Under Mayor John Delaney’s Preservation Project Jacksonville, Dave Roman our park system now includes approximately 40,000 acres of pro- Produced by the tected lands. The addition of these lands brings our park system Public Information Division to over 73,000 acres, making it the largest urban park system in Neighborhoods Department the nation. It also guarantees future generations the opportunity City of Jacksonville to enjoy the same natural habitats we enjoy today. Please send all comments to: The Department of Parks, Recreation and Entertainment has NEIGHBORHOODS MAGAZINE Public Information, Suite 305 also experienced tremendous growth in our recreational activi- 117 West Duval Street ties and specialty programs, thanks in part to the mayor’s "Jax Jacksonville, Florida 32202 Parks – Get Out There" initiative. Our athletics department, com- 904/630-2969 www.coj.net munity centers, after school programs and summer camps offer activities for every age and need, while our nationally recognized Neighborhoods is a publication of the Gus and Goldie Learn to Swim program continues each year to Public Information Office of the City of teach thousands of children to swim and stay safe near water. Jacksonville. Though advertising copy is care- fully reviewed by staff, publication of an adver- I began this message by saying that the words clean, green, tisement herein does not imply endorsement of safe and fun are the core of our mission statement. I want to any product, service or opinion by the City of close by saying that it is the children, adults, families and friends Jacksonville, its employees or officials. Views, conclusions and opinions expressed in articles who visit our parks that make up the heart of our park system. I herein do not necessarily reflect those of the love what Jacksonville’s parks have to offer to the community – publication staff, employees or officials of the places to take the family, play sports, learn crafts, swim, escape City of Jacksonville. back to nature, meet new friends and create lasting memories. I make sure that my family and I take the time to enjoy the many City of Jacksonville Mission Statement recreation and leisure activities our park system has to offer, and Serving You, I hope that you will do the same. Meeting Today’s Challenges, Sincerely, Focusing on the Future. Debra J. Igou Director neighborhoods Inside 2003 Guide to Parks • A Magazine for Jacksonville’s Communities Parks Guide Index Message from the Mayor . .3 Walk on the Wild Side Message from the Director . .4 Hiking and Biking Trails . .31 Jacksonville Parks and Recreation Jacksonville-Baldwin Rails to Trails . .31 – Something for Everyone . .6 Nature Center at Westside Regional Park . .32 JaxParks . .8 Tree Hill Nature Center . .32 Regional Parks . .10 Where to Watch Wildlife . .32 Wet and Wild Campgrounds . .34 Waterfront Parks . .13 page 24 Swimming Pools . .15 Staff Profile – R.C. Nasworthy . .35 Boat Ramps . .17 Way Back When Games People Play Historical Parks . .37 Ball Field Complexes . .19 Meet and Greet Tennis Courts . .20 Community Centers . .38 Adult Athletic Associations . .21 Dolphin Plaza . .38 Golf Courses . .22 Staff Profile – Danny Bell . .39 Staff Profile – Claudia Waldo . .23 Fun for Kids You Name It, We’ve Got It Youth Athletic Associations . .25 Skateboard Park at Cuba Hunter . .41 Kids Kampus . .page . .30 .27 Radio Control Model Airplanes at Lannie Road Park . .41 Summer Camps . .28 Handicapped Access Fishing and Overnight Stays at Bethesda Park . .41 Staff Profile – John Kelly . .29 Disc Golf at the Dunes . .41 A Magazine for Jacksonville’s Communities BMX at Ray Greene Park . .41 2003 Annual Special Events . .42 Guide to Parks Park Directory & Alphabetical Listing. .45 On the Cover: What's it going to be? Sports, water fun, a hike in the woods, a family picnic? So many choices FREE at Jacksonville's parks... Parks Guide 5 Jacksonville Parks and Recreation: Laughing children, cheering fans, Preserve and city lands—offers unmatched ecological treasure splashing water, singing birds, pounding and cultural heritage. Water sport enthusiasts enjoy surf — the sounds of Jacksonville parks. an almost endless number of Green grass, blue water, orange sun- opportunities to get wet and wild in Jacksonville. Four magnificent rise, white sand, red brick, yellow sub- beachfront parks provide surfing, marine — the colors of Jacksonville swimming and fishing. Weekend admirals can launch their craft at parks. 21 boat ramps and spend a leisurely day cruising or sailing Mown fields, cedar trails, spring flow- the beautiful St. Johns River. ers, grilled food, ocean breezes — the Anglers can practice their art at fishing piers on the river or at smells of Jacksonville parks. lakes brimming with scrappy bass and cagey catfish. Homerun blasts, playground opportunities and leisure-time A single swimming pool at games, soaring eagles, kids play- resources. A program with only Lackawanna Park (now Mallison ing, bikes rolling, couples walking 10 community centers and 11 ball Park) provided welcome respite — the sights of Jacksonville fields in 1930 now boasts nearly from the summer heat in 1930. parks. 350 recreation sites and a unique Now 33 pools offer an ideal place Somewhere in the 73,000 acres co-management agreement with to cool off and spend time with that constitute the largest urban state and federal parks. family. Each summer, thousands park system in the United States, Beginning in 1999, of youngsters learn to swim safe- there really is something for Preservation Project Jacksonville ly through the Gus and Goldie everyone. added more than 40,000 acres of Learn to Swim Program. Kids of "Parks and recreation play an invaluable recreation land to be all ages splash at water parks important role in making preserved in a natural state for with cannons, fountains and Jacksonville a great place to live," future generations to enjoy. sprays of all kinds at Kids said Parks, Recreation, and Combined with breathtakingly Kampus and Hanna Park. Jump Entertainment Director Debra beautiful state and federal lands in! The water’s fine! Igou. "Exciting programs, first- and property the city already Explosions of youthful energy class facilities and customer serv- owned, that translates to more send balls of all shapes and sizes ice rank our parks among the than 73,000 acres of parkland or whizzing through the air at best anywhere in the nation." roughly 14 percent of the land in Jacksonville parks. Whether it’s a Since modest beginnings in Duval County. Less than 20 miles national softball tournament or a 1925 when voters first approved a from downtown, the Timucuan picnic pickup game, the crack of a recreation program, Jacksonville’s Trail State and National Parks— bat echoes across ball fields that parks have kept pace with the made up of Big Talbot Island, host more than a thousand growing demand for recreation Little Talbot Island, the Timucuan teams each year.